It’s
been days since I viewed Dredd and I still feel a rush of
excitement when I recall how entertaining it was. Surpassing the
abysmal 1995 Judge Dredd in every single way with its stylised
and gritty visual flair, spot-on performances near flawless pacing,
Dredd gets everything about mindless action films right.

Judge
Dredd (played by Karl Urban in one of his most entertaining roles in
recent years) has been tasked with evaluating newest Judge recruit
Cassandra (Olivia Thirbly) who happens to be a powerful psychic who can
read the mind of whoever she chooses.

The
latest and most hip drug going around the metropolis of Mega-City One is
an inhalant known as “Slo-mo” which slows the user’s perception of time
to 1% of normal speed. It is up to Dredd and Cassandra to investigate
the source of the drug, which unfortunately results in them being
trapped inside a 200-storey apartment block by a drug lord called Ma-Ma
(Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey).

From
this point in the plot Dredd becomes a non-stop shootout between
Dredd and Ma-Ma’s goons as he and Cassandra try to escape the building.
The plot is literally put on hold to make way for some of the most
violent and eye-popping action sequences from this decade, with bright
fluorescent blood filling the screen in nearly every shot.

Dredd has a very prominent 80s feel to its cinematography and
editing which represent its comic book source perfectly. “Slo-mo” scenes
are handled expertly well, and while they’re frequent they’re not
obnoxious enough to become a tedious gimmick.

While
it borders on being grinding with its non-stop action sequences Dredd
has a perfect running time and is one of the best comic book films
period. Adrenaline pumping, knuckle whitening and every other
description of the perfect action film, there’s enough pulpy goodness
oozing out of Dredd to keep you excited days after watching it,
and you’ll be wanting more.